Overcoming Birth Mother Grief and Loss

Adoption is not an easy process. You may be already looking at nearby adoption agencies but are hesitant due to feelings of unease. Some mothers placing their children up for adoption experience feelings of birth mother grief. This is a type of grief caused by separation from your child rather than losing a loved one. Though birth mother grief may be intimidating, it’s important to recognize it as a natural reaction that can be overcome.

What is Birth Mother Grief?

Birth mother grief is a unique type of sadness that occurs when a parent is placing a child for adoption. It is distinct from other types of grief, such as loss, since your child will still be physically around. Separating after the pregnancy process can lead to this feeling of grief. As a mother, you become attached to your child during pregnancy. Therefore it is natural to feel grief due to separation, even if there is no loss in the typical sense.

You may recognize that adoption is the best course of action for you and your child. Even with this in mind, it is still possible to experience birth mother grief. Of course, there is nothing wrong with experiencing these feelings, as they are a natural reaction to separation. But placing your child for adoption can be an intimidating and even scary prospect. However, you don’t need to worry, as the feeling of birth mother grief can ultimately be overcome.

Keeping in Touch With Your Child

One good option for overcoming birth mother grief is to keep in touch with your child. To do this, you may consider choosing an open adoption plan. In an open adoption, the birth mother and adoptive family are able to contact one another. Information is shared between the two parties, so it becomes possible to visit your child after being placed for adoption. This also gives you more control over what family your child will be placed with.

With less uncertainty about your child’s adoptive family, you would feel more reassured about the process. This can help mitigate feelings of birth mother grief, even if you are still physically separated. Having certainty about your child’s life and being able to be around can help relieve some of this stress.

If you are able, visiting your child and keeping in touch with the adoptive family may help with separation fears. The feeling of separation is one of the main causes of birth mother grief. Therefore, staying connected with your child and being part of their life would ease your grief.

If this sounds like a good option for you, adoption agencies in Missouri can help you plan an open adoption. Open adoption can be majorly beneficial to prevent grief, as it provides reassurance about your adoption process.

Strong Support System Even After Adoption

Having a strong support system is pivotal to overcoming birth mother grief. Birth mother grief is common among women who place their children for adoption. You can find and join support groups for birth mothers in Missouri who can provide a sense of community. The feeling is something many women place their children for adoption experience, so it’s best to fight it together. Birth mother grief should not be a burden faced alone.

It’s important to note that all mothers experience birth mother grief differently and to different extents. If your case of birth mother’s grief is particularly severe, you may want to consider seeking a therapist or counselor. A support system is incredibly beneficial, but in such instances, professional counsel can most help in overcoming birth mother grief.

Accepting Birth Mother Grief

Birth mother grief is a natural reaction, and though you can overcome it is a natural response of empathy. You should not feel ashamed for experiencing grief or guilt for placing your child for adoption. If you have decided that adoption is your best course of action, grief is a natural, if irrational, emotional response.

Some parts of birth mother grief can be mitigated, and some cannot. The feeling of birth mother grief should not be expected to disappear instantly. Focusing on the parts you can control is vital to a healthy relationship with grief. Opting for open adoption is an excellent way to remain aware of your child’s well-being. Finding a support group is another way to make sure you are being encouraged at a trying time. These things are in your control and should be taken advantage of.

If you are a woman considering open adoption, Adoption Choices of Missouri serves birth parents statewide and beyond. Please call us or text us to learn more! Call us toll-free at 877-903-4488 or, in Missouri, call or text us at 316-391-4904

Birth Mother Blog Putting baby up for adoption

Choosing A Single Woman in Missouri to Adopt Your Baby

May 8, 2023 Adoption Choices of Missouri

Choosing A Single Woman in Missouri to Adopt Your Baby

By Ryan Yau

If you are a woman in Missouri considering adoption, finding the right home for your baby may seem daunting. Luckily, Adoption Choices of Missouri can help you in your search. You may want to place your child for adoption with a single woman, which can be achieved with nearby adoption agencies.

Though single mothers are sometimes stigmatized, children can find great families no matter the size of the home. There are many great reasons to choose a single woman in Missouri to take care of your child.

Single Mothers Can Provide Just as Much Care as a Two-Parent Household

Studies find that children living in single-parent homes fare as well as those living in two-parent households. Children raised by single parents turn out as well as children raised in larger households. This is because single-parent households generally have less conflict, whereas children being exposed to arguing between parents is a real problem.

Additionally, many think that single parents are less available to raise children and, therefore, will not be around as much. However, while single parents may be more busy, that can be made up for by involving others in the parenting process. Adoption agencies in Missouri can help you with deciding whether to place your baby for adoption with a single parent.

Being a Single Mother Does Not Mean Having No Support System

Just because a single woman takes care of your child does not mean they will be your child’s sole caretaker. Your child will have other important adults in their life, including relatives, neighbors, and even teachers.

Therefore, you should not worry that a single parent would restrict your child’s circle of support. Your child could be brought up around as many role models as with a family unit. In fact, they may even be raised around a greater diversity of voices. Single parents rarely raise their kids alone and typically refer to a more robust support system than a family provides.

Closer Bonds Between the Adoptive Parent and Baby

By the nature of a single-parent relationship, your child may develop a closer bond with their single parent. There will be no conflict between different parenting styles in a household, which ultimately helps strengthen the parent-child bond.

Having a single voice of reason can facilitate a deep connection between parent and child. You may think adoption makes it a bit harder for parents to bond with children. However, single women with no prior children would also be more likely to form a strong bond with your baby. Compared to placing your child for adoption with a family, having a single parent would create a more special relationship.

Choosing a Suitable Parent for Your Baby

Finding the right parent for your child is a very important task. However, it doesn’t have to be a scary decision. There are many prospective parents looking to adopt, and we believe that single women can be just as good candidates to take care of your baby.

We are here to help you with every stage of the adoption process. If you are a pregnant woman looking for your child’s future home, Adoption Choices of Missouri serves birth parents statewide and beyond. Please call us or text us to learn more! Call us toll-free at 877-903-4488 or, in Missouri, call or text us at 316-391-4904.